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Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Hochul unveils budget framework while legislators persist in fine-tuning details

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ALBANY, N.Y. ​(AP) — On Monday, New​ York’s ‍Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled the blueprint of a massive $237 billion budget. This ambitious budget includes comprehensive strategies to⁣ stimulate new housing development, manage the surge of migrants, and clamp down on unauthorized marijuana outlets.

As a Democrat, Hochul characterized the ⁢announcement as the “outline of a theoretical agreement” on the budget, which is approximately two‌ weeks overdue. This agreement was reached with the ⁤heads of the state Senate and Assembly following a series⁢ of confidential⁢ discussions.

“Without a consensus on the package​ to be presented, it’s impossible to bring it ‍to the legislature for consideration,” Hochul explained to the press at the Capitol. She added, “Reaching the‍ final resolution takes a bit of time, but I’ve clarified what I believe we’ve agreed upon.”

However, the⁣ governor’s announcement seemed to have taken lawmakers by surprise, as officials were still in the midst of conducting meetings⁤ and ironing‍ out‍ the ‌specifics of the expenditure plan.

“I believe the announcement was unexpected for all of us in the​ Senate,” stated ⁤state Sen.​ Liz Krueger, a prominent Democrat.

Before the budget can be enacted into law, it must receive approval from the ⁢Senate and Assembly, both of⁣ which are Democrat-controlled.

The housing agreement proposed by Hochul ‍includes a ‍fresh⁢ tax incentive for developers to encourage ⁣construction, along with a series‍ of tenant⁤ safeguards to make it more difficult to increase rents and evict individuals in certain situations. The specifics, however, were not elaborated upon. The plan also ‍proposes the use of ⁤commercial properties ⁢and state lands for residential housing.

The extensive housing agreement had become a ⁢contentious issue in the ‌negotiations, with senior officials striving to devise a deal that promotes the construction of new, affordable homes, safeguards tenants, and attracts developers.

The budget plan also earmarks $2.4 billion for the state to tackle⁤ the numerous migrants who have inundated New York City’s homeless shelters. This follows Hochul’s proposal to offer⁢ short-term shelter services, legal aid, and more.

Hochul ⁢also mentioned an agreement on a new approach‌ to tackle unlicensed marijuana shops, which have proliferated in the city ⁣following the state’s legalization of recreational marijuana sales. This proposal ‍aims to simplify the process for local authorities to shut down these black market outlets.

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Alejandro Mendoza
Alejandro Mendoza
Alejandro Mendoza is a dedicated journalist, known for his in-depth research and commitment to truth. A graduate of Columbia University's School of Journalism, he specializes in revealing and reporting on significant local issues.
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6 COMMENTS

  1. Agree – Excited to see progress being made on the budget framework, looking forward to seeing the final details ironed out.

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